CHURCH VOLUNTEER SENTENCED FOR SEXUALISED MESSAGES TO SCHOOLGIRL
In April 2023, a disturbing case emerged involving Raymond Bown, a 66-year-old volunteer associated with a church in Mickleover, Derbyshire.Bown was found to have engaged in inappropriate and sexualised communication with a 15-year-old schoolgirl through social media platforms.
The messages he sent included explicit comments about her physical appearance, specifically referencing the size of her breasts, and also contained lewd remarks about physically slapping her on the backside.
These exchanges took place in September 2021, prompting the girl’s family to report the matter to the police.
An investigation was swiftly launched, leading to Bown’s arrest and subsequent charges.
During court proceedings at Derby Crown Court, Bown pleaded guilty to the charge of engaging in sexual communication with a minor, acknowledging his misconduct.
Judge Jonathan Bennett presided over the case and addressed Bown directly, emphasizing that a man of his age “should have known far, far, better.” The judge described Bown’s actions as “very unwise,” especially considering his volunteer work at the church and his involvement with a local football team.
The judge condemned the conduct as “quite lewd and quite disgraceful,” highlighting the serious breach of trust and moral standards involved.
Prosecutor Mark Achurch provided details of the incident, confirming that the offending occurred in September 2021 when Bown initiated contact with the teenage girl.
Following the discovery of the messages, authorities conducted a thorough investigation, which ultimately led to Bown’s guilty plea.
In sentencing, Judge Bennett acknowledged that this type of offence is relatively new in the legal landscape, with guidelines typically prescribing a range from a community order to up to one year in custody.
However, citing Bown’s previously good character, the judge decided to impose a financial penalty instead of custodial time.
Bown was ordered to pay a fine of £500, along with £1,500 in prosecution costs and a £50 victim surcharge.
The judge also mandated that Bown pay the full fine within four months through his barrister, Catherine Picardo.
Failure to do so could result in a 28-day prison sentence.
Furthermore, Bown will be subject to notification requirements, meaning he must sign the sex offender register for five years.
The court also issued a restraining order prohibiting him from contacting the victim directly or indirectly, including via social media, which was the platform he used to communicate with the girl.
The judge noted that Bown’s contact with the victim could potentially disqualify him from working with children in the future, a decision that will be determined by the Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) after Bown has the opportunity to make representations.
This case underscores the importance of safeguarding minors and highlights the legal consequences faced by individuals who breach trust and engage in inappropriate conduct online, especially those involved in volunteer work and community activities in Derbyshire.
